Dear students, Welcome to this course on communication in humanitarian settings. During this week, we will cover the main concepts and definitions essential to understand the specific framework of communication in humanitarian settings.

11 videos, 3 readings

Video: Welcome

Video: Structure of the MOOC

Discussion Prompt: General Discussion

Video: Week 1 introduction

Video: The communication process

Video: Communication concept definitions

Video: Communication means evolution

Reading: Additional material

Discussion Prompt: Consequences of communication evolution

Video: Humanitarian action definition

Video: Humanitarian principles

Reading: Additional material

Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 1

Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 2

Reading: Additional material

Video: Week 1 wrap up

Graded: Quiz- Week 1

WEEK 2

Week 2

During this week, we will explore the different types of communication and communication structures that one could encounter in humanitarian context in order to better reach target audiences when communicating.

12 videos, 3 readings

Video: Week 2 - Introduction

Video: Introduction to module 1

Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 1

Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 2

Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 1

Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 2

Reading: Additional material

Video: Introduction to module 2

Video: Stakeholders analysis

Reading: Additional material

Video: Who is in charge of communicating

Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion

Video: Introduction to module 3

Video: Understanding miscommunication

Reading: Communication breakdown scenarios

Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion

Video: Week 2 - Wrap up

Graded: Quiz - Week 2

WEEK 3

Week 3

This week is dedicated to the main challenges of communication in humanitarian settings and the way to address them.
During the course we will also explore key behavioural postures to be more effective when communicating.

12 videos, 4 readings

Video: Week 3 - Introduction

Video: Introduction to Module 1

Video: Ethical challenges - Part 1

Video: Ethical challenges - Part 2

Discussion Prompt: Ethical challenges

Reading: Deepen your knowledge on ethical challenges

Video: Preventive/crisis communication challenges

Reading: Deepen your understanding of relationships

Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 1

Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 2

Reading: Deepen your understanding of public communication

Video: Introduction to Module 2

Video: The importance of listening - Part 1

Video: The importance of listening - Part 2

Video: The importance of body language

Reading: Additional material

Video: Week 3 - Wrap up

Graded: Quiz - Week 3

WEEK 4

Week 4

This week is dedicated to the understanding of the communication project cycle and the way to implement the first steps of the communication project cycle.

3 videos, 3 readings

Video: Week 4 - Introduction

Video: The communication project cycle

Reading: Additional material

Video: Case study 1

Reading: Case study

Discussion Prompt: What do you think about the proposed answers?

Reading: Additional material

WEEK 5

Week 5

During this week we will explore how to design a communication plan in the midst of humanitarian action.

2 videos, 1 reading

Video: Week 5 - Introduction

Video: MOOC Conclusion

Reading: Additional material

Graded: Ebola Case Study

FAQs

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Creators

University of Geneva

Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of Europe's leading universities. Devoted to research, education and dialogue, the UNIGE shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with a venerable cosmopolitan tradition.

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 of 47 ratings

Very essential course for all humanitarian workers on the different levels.

I recommend this course as one of the basics for everyone aims to have a professional humanitarian endeavour!

Especial thanks to all the lecturers and for CERAH the place of making perfect humanitarian professional. My ambition and dream to continue my studies in this great place!

It was a great experience for me. I think that it’s important to get
closer to different ways to communication and specially in humanitarian context.

¡Muchas gracias!

L

Great introduction on humanitarian communication for the ones we work in the field of human rights. Moreover, the structure of the course and the explanations of the professors are really well presented. Congratulations!

I thought the course was very well structured, presented and provided insightful material. For anyone who has never worked in humanitarian aid communication, the course is a great beginning step. I felt somewhat intellectually challenged at times. The readings and lectures were motivating, which helped me continue on to finish the course. I recommend this course to anyone who has never worked in such a role and context and would like to learn more.